By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday January 19, 2019
Serena Williams eased past 18-year-old Anastasia Potopova and into the second round in Melbourne.
Photo Source: Mark Peterson/Corleve
Serena Williams opened accounts at the 2020 Australian Open by winning her 350th Grand Slam match, 6-0 6-3 over Anastasia Potapova. The American improves to 86-11 lifetime at the Australian Open and 6-0 on the season.
Here are five takeaways on her first-round triumph.
1. Serena Struck the Ball with Authority
Williams clearly made the right decision by playing a tune-up event at Auckland.
After the match she talked about what the title at Auckland meant to her: "It was very important for me to get a win in the final," she said. "It felt like a relief. Yeah, like I could move forward now."
Williams was out of the gates super fast against Potopova on Day 1 and struck the ball with menacing purpose in the opening set. Williams dropped just nine points across the first six games and handed Potapova a first-set bagel, which ended when Williams cranked a perfectly placed backhand winner into the open court. It was an awesome way to start a bid for a 24th major title.
2. Serena’s on a Mission
It’s no secret that Williams has Naomi Osaka (also a winner on Day 1) looming in her quarter of the draw, which is why it is even more imperative for Williams to keep on cruising through these next few rounds. The easier she can make things on her body the more she will have to give when it comes to the business end of week two. Williams took a great first step in that direction on Monday in Melbourne by finishing up her first-round win in 58 minutes.
3. It Wasn’t Perfect, but Close Enough
Williams surrendered a break in the third game of the second set in a game that saw her toss in two double faults and struggle to get in position for some tricky counters from Potapova. Movement has been one of the biggest issues with Williams over the last few seasons and it’s important for her to strike that balance so that she moves well enough to not have to rely too much on first-strike tennis.
To Serena’s credit she bounced right back quickly and won five of the final six games. In total she saved two of the three break points she faced, all of which came in a two-game span early in the second set.
"I feel like I can still improve and get better throughout this tournament, for sure," Williams said in press. "This is a good steppingstone for right now."
4. The First Serve Looked Strong
Nine aces and 25 of 31 first serve points won: vintage Williams numbers. The seven-time Australian Open champion averaged 106 mph on the first serve and hit a top speed of 118. Williams won 28 of 36 rallies that lasted four strokes or less on serve, and 21 of the 22 rallies that lasted four strokes or less when her first serve was in.
5. Second Serve Return Was Vicious
Williams also won all eight of her second-serve return points that lasted five or more strokes, proof that when Williams can dictate the points it doesn’t matter how long they seem to go. She cracked four return winners and won 22 of 42 return points against Potopova.
Williams broke on five of her six break opportunities and was in control from start to finish. It was an impressive way to start the tournament, and something to build on for sure.